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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -44.67558, 169.21053. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 2.5km loop
- Walking time
- 45 mins
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Wānaka area
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Situated near the Hāwea River Swing Bridge this small loop track around the Butterfields Wildlife Management Area is suitable for biking, running and walking.
This DOC directory entry covers Butterfields Wetland Walk in Otago, within Wānaka area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 2.5km loop
- Walking time: 45 mins
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track provides a family friendly loop option where walkers, cyclists and runners enjoy picturesque views of the native wetland and surrounding peaks as they weave their way through terraced grasslands and kānuka forest.
For a longer option continue on the Newcastle track to Kane Road or on the Hāwea River Track as far as Camphill Road or further on to Lake Hāwea Township.
Butterfields Wetland Walk was funded by the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust. The Central Otago-Lakes branch of Forest & Bird are undertaking a vegetation enhancement project at this site.
Getting there
From SH6 north of the Albert town bridge, turn right onto the unsealed road through the campground. The Butterfields Wetland Walk is accessed after crossing the Hāwea River swing bridge - either entered from 600 m up the Newcastle track or 600 m up the Hāwea River track.
Know before you go
Swing bridges
There's a limit to the number people allowed on the swing bridges at any one time – be prepared to wait at each end if numbers allowed have been reached.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
